The remodel project is all ready to go: You drew up the project plan, acquired the necessary permits, and gathered all of the tools and materials that you need. But as you begin demolition, only one thought is on your mind: I should have learned about dust control before starting this remodeling project.
Luckily for you, the project hasn’t started yet. Before you begin your next home improvement project, take a look at these five helpful tips for remodeling dust control. But before we get into dust reduction tips, it’s important to always wear a quality respirator when performing activities that generate a large amount of construction dust, especially when you are in enclosed spaces. For tips on how to pick a respirator, read this guide from the CDC.
1. Run an air scrubber during construction
Air scrubbers are portable machines that pull in dusty air, capture the particles in a filter, and then send clean air back into the room. We’ve found that the best air scrubber for remodeling is the BuildClean Dust Control System, which has 600% more filter space than competitors.
2. Make dust barriers with plastic sheets
At a minimum, you should use 6 mil poly sheeting to seal off hallways and other construction-adjacent-rooms without doors. At a maximum, you should use the same sheeting to cover furniture, floors, countertops, and air vents.
3. Provide adequate ventilation
The EPA recommends placing a box fan in a window of the room under construction so that the air is blowing outwards. This acts as an exhaust fan and removes dust and other particles from your house. It also has the added benefit of creating a pressure barrier which helps prevent dusty air from traveling to other rooms of your house.
4. Use power tools with dust extractors
Stopping it at the source is the most effective way to contain dust during remodeling. Many companies have power tools equipped with vacuum ports that capture dust before it has a chance to spread around the room and into the air.
5. Cut materials outside
Aside from demolition, cutting and sanding are the biggest dust-generating activities that you will perform during a remodel. Because of this, you should cut and sand material outside whenever possible. If weather or space doesn’t permit you to cut outside, suspend plastic sheeting from the ceiling to create an isolation chamber.
Livable Remodeling Dust Control
Home renovations are supposed to make your life better, but careless dust management can expose you to annoying, and potentially harmful, construction dust. There are tactics that you can use to experience livable remodeling dust control, but nothing will completely prevent all of the dust. If you are planning a home remodeling project in the greater Denver area and are not equipped to manage the dust, consider reaching out to a general contractor who utilizes the dust management best practices that will keep your newly remodeled home clean and clear.
